David WarnerTeam coach James Erskine has staunchly defended the Australian opener against criticism from former teammate Mitchell Johnson. James Erskine highlighted that David Warner remains the best option for the upcoming Test series against Pakistan.

Mitchell Johnson, in his column for The West Australian, raised questions about David Warner’s autonomy in deciding when to retire from Tests. The former pacer criticized him for his involvement in the infamous ball-tampering scandal against South Africa in 2018.

Mitchell Johnson was a good player – James Erskine

James Erskine expressed confusion over Mitchell Johnson’s aggressive stance and defended Warner’s form. Erskine found it “a bit sad” that former cricketers, such as Johnson, criticized current players and suggested that such criticism is aimed at grabbing the headlines.

“Mitchell Johnson was a good player… and he has the right to his opinion. But at the end of the day what surprises me is all these former cricketers who basically have a chance with the current group.” Erskine said on SEN’s Sportsday.

“That would never happen in golf, where Arnold Palmer criticized Nick Faldo, or Chrissie Evert had a chance with someone who was playing (tennis) at the time. I think it’s a little sad in a way. “I’m sure they have an opinion, but I think it’s to get a headline.” he added.

David Warner has been a fighter all his life – James Erskine

James Erskine noted that contenders like Cameron Bancroft, Matt Renshaw and Marcus Harris have lower averages than Warner. Erskine emphasized that Warner is the best one for the job and is not looking for a farewell.

“My black lab could figure out who the contenders are to basically take the job. Cameron Bancroft, there’s Matt Renshaw, there’s Marcus Harris. Collectively they have averages of around 20… David Warner has played 109 Test matches and has a (career) average of 44.4, scoring over 8,500 runs.”

“If anyone listening thought David Warner wanted to play Test cricket for Australia if they didn’t think he was ready for it, they were wrong. He’s been a wrestler his whole life, he’s a guy from the wrong side of the tracks, he’s a guy who has made a living and been very successful at it. But he doesn’t want a swan song, he believes he’s the best guy for the job. I think the figures prove it. If he goes and gets two ducks in the first two Tests, he will get dumped, but, you know, he won’t.” Erskine further stated.

Also read: “Steve Smith and David Warner have paid their debts…” – Usman Khawaja attacks Mitchell Johnson